Get a Veterans Disability Lawyer to Help With Your Benefits Claim

Soldiers getting injured in the line of duty has always been part of the job. That’s why when our fighting men and women get medically discharged, it’s only reasonable that their claims for disability benefits get acted upon, promptly. However, claims processing hasn’t gone on smoothly as they should, as Denise Allabaugh of the Scranton Time Tribune pointed out recently in her article on VA claims backlogs:

“Russell Canevari of Jessup, the state commander of the Pennsylvania Department of Veterans of Foreign Affairs, said one problem is that the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Plains Twp. is understaffed.

He said another problem is the appeals system is taking up to two years. He referred to a Desert Storm veteran who died while waiting for an answer after filing an appeal. He encouraged veterans to get assistance from a veterans’ organization when filing appeals.

“Do not make any appeals yourself because that just prolongs the whole system,” he said.”

Although public officials have been emphatic about their support for offering a safety net for injured veterans, the reality is that the process is dogged by challenges in bureaucracy, as well as in the complexity of requirements and conditions for claims approval. Thus, veterans might do better if they get help with their benefit claims or claims appeal. A knowledgeable veterans disability lawyer, such as the attorneys from Jan Dils, can advise veterans with the best options they can take to win compensation for medical expenses, or certain other benefits.

Why get the help? Claiming veteran’s disability benefits can be a long process. Each claim goes through rigorous checks to ensure that only the deserving get them. This requires that an applicant should fulfill all the conditions required, including complete documentation on both their military service and their disability. The VA will review these documents and decide on the proper benefits to award the applicant. Some claims can be rejected or be assigned less benefits than expected.

If you have filed before and was rejected, but you believed the decision was unfair, you can file an appeal. Experienced veterans disability lawyers can advise you on the proper steps to take. They will help you file a notice of disagreement with the VA, in which you specify the part of the decision you disagree with. This is an initial appeal, and the same committee that dealt with your original request will handle it. If you are denied yet again, then you can send a request to the Board of Veteran Appeals.

Further appeals can still be made after the initial decision. However, it can be a tiring, tedious process. Having an advocate by your side, such as an expert disability lawyer, will give you the assurance you need that you aren’t missing any essential step, and that you’re giving your case the best shot it deserves.

(Source: Veterans speak about VA backlog; Casey pushes legislation, Scranton Time-Tribune, May, 28, 2014)